Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Request for Proposals Grant

The Arthritis Foundation is inviting proposals for research aimed at understanding and predicting the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This includes identifying risk factors and mechanisms to prevent or slow the onset of RA. The program encourages innovative studies from early and mid-career investigators affiliated with U.S. institutions, with funding options that support both pilot and large research awards. The ultimate goal is to enhance outcomes for RA patients.

This Request for Proposals (RFP) invites applications that seek to better understand and predict the progression of RA, including from pre-RA to clinical RA, and progression to more severe disease. Competitive projects should aim to define risk factors/biomarkers of disease progression, pathogenic mechanisms, and approaches to prevent or slow RA disease onset and progression. The long-term goal of this Arthritis Foundation research program is to reduce the incidence of RA and slow disease progression.
RFP Purpose and Objectives This RFP invites research proposals of two types:
Pilot Research Award: Projects aim to investigate a novel hypothesis with no preliminary data requirements. Budget of up to $75,000 per year for 2 years (up to $150,000 total per award), orLarge Research Award: Projects aim to investigate a novel hypothesis and require preliminary data. Budget of up to $150,000 per year for 3 years (up to $450,000 total per award).
Successful research proposals will focus on preventing RA and/or slowing disease onset and progression. Research studies using exclusively clinical samples and/or clinical data are strongly encouraged. Research proposals that include both animal studies and the study of clinical samples and/or data may be considered, provided the animal studies help to more deeply uncover mechanisms suggested by the clinical data. Animal studies must not exceed 25% of the budget.
The invitation is open to early- and mid-career investigators affiliated with U.S. academic institutions and hospitals who are committed to improving the outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis patients through biomedical and/or health outcomes research.